CNN
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Two top-10 Russian tennis stars, together with world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, have addressed their nation’s invasion of Ukraine this week.
Speaking on Thursday, Medvedev, who gained the US Open final yr, addressed the state of affairs in his house nation after profitable his match in Mexico, saying he’s “all for peace.”
“In this moment, you understand that tennis sometimes is not that important,” he mentioned.
He continued, “By being a tennis player, I want to promote peace all over the world. We play in so many different countries. I’ve been in so many countries as a junior and as a pro. It’s just not easy to hear all this news.”
On Friday, Andrey Rublev additionally advocated for peace, writing “No war please” on the digicam after his win. Writing on the lens is a standard apply after tennis matches.
The day earlier than, on Thursday, the No. 7 participant on this planet defined his stance in an interview after his match.
“In these moments you realize that my match is not important. It’s not about my match, how it affects me. Because what’s happening is much more terrible,” Rublev mentioned. “You realize how important it is to have peace in the world and to respect each other no matter what and to be united…. We should take care of our earth and of each other. This is the most important thing.”
Russian and Ukrainian athletes throughout different sports activities have spoken up in latest days, too.
Fyodor Smolov, a Russian soccer participant who has been capped 45 occasions by the nationwide crew, posted a black display screen to Instagram on Thursday, with the caption “No to war,” together with emojis of a damaged coronary heart and a Ukrainian flag.
All this comes after Russia’s assault on Ukraine, which started on Thursday and has unfold throughout the nation. Russian forces have attacked by land, sea and air, and are presently battling for management of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.